As of October 2017, Google and other browsers are going to clearly alert users if they are on a secure (SSL) or insecure (non SSL) website. As you may have already noticed, browsers have already started displaying more clearly whether a site has an SSL (secure) or not (insecure).
AÂ site without an SSL certificate
A site with an SSL certificate
I haven’t needed SSL before, why now?
Google have been leading the charge to encrypt the internet to cut down on the risk of spying or interception of communications globally. This recent push is a small step in a wider view to secure the internet – a long standing problem that used to be up to individual website owners.
Do I really need an SSL certificate?
The short answer is yes. And here is why :
- If your site isn’t already secured with an SSL certificate, it is possible that anyone eaves-dropping can easily intercept anything submitted to your website.
This includes – passwords, usernames, credit card numbers, sensitive information and documents being submitted to your site by users, visitors, clients / employees. - Websites without SSL Certificates will soon be penalised and likely drop down rank in Google search results this will likely impact your SEO.
- Soon, websites without SSL certificates will display the type of browser safety warnings that could possibly scare users away from your site completely.
- It is just good practice. Have an SSL certificate installed will display the green “Secure” padlock (in the image above) which will give trust to your clients / users.
My website is only a small concern so I don’t think I need this.
While this may be the case, sites without SSL certificates are about to be the absolute minority on the web. The “insecure website” warnings thrown up by browsers like Chrome & Firefox soon may well persuade your potential clients to not visit your website. This is a global push and we’d hate to see your website disadvantaged because you don’t have an SSL certificate installed.
How much is an SSL certificate?
Fireworks Websites are now offering Comodo SSL certificate subscriptions at a reduced price of $50+ GST per year.
I would like an SSL certificate installed on my site now, how do I proceed?
Simply send us an email ([email protected]) and let us know that you would like to go ahead – we will arrange the rest. Some minor changes may need to be made to your website to “switch it on” in your CMS / WordPress etc. We will contact you if this is the case.
For further reading, we’ve found a recent article that may be of interest to you.
http://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/business-ready-googles-big-https-push/
If you have any other questions or concerns, please send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch as soon as possible.